US pastor John MacArthur has said he is ready to return to the pulpit after a period of ill health.
Rumours of his death had circulated online after the popular preacher temporarily stepped down from ministry due to serious heart issues.
Now, in a video shared by Grace to You, he said he feels "great" and is ready to "come roaring back into the public and pick up my ministry again".
MacArthur recently underwent three heart procedures and lung surgery following a hospitalisation in January 2023 for breathing difficulties.
"The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated," MacArthur joked.
Though he didn’t specify when he might return to the pulpit, he reassured followers: "I'm not ill at all… my heart is probably stronger now than it's been in the last decade of my life."
He made a brief appearance at Grace Community Church last November, saying: "I’m still here and thankful to the Lord for that." Reflecting on his health journey, he added: "I'm just thankful I see the good and gracious and kind and providential hand of God in every vicissitude in my life."
Although he was absent from this year’s Shepherds Conference, MacArthur continues to recover under medical supervision. Looking ahead, he shared: "I realise I’m on the last lap… but I am all thanks and praise to God for everything He’s allowed me to be a part of."